In his party's first national convention on June 1, PFP Chairman James Soong (
Soong's talk was a response to President Chen Shui-bian's (
Soong rejects the notion of the "special state-to-state relationship" put forth by former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝). While campaigning in the last presidential election, questions were raised with respect to Soong's inability to define the cross-strait relationship in terms of national sovereignty. He was unable to directly answer whether Taiwan and China are two independent and sovereign countries.
Soong recognized that Taiwan has a distinctive statehood and territory. But he avoided discussions on the status quo between Taiwan and China. Moreover, he failed to differentiate his "one China" concept from Beijing's "one China" principle.
Soong also said that former president Lee's "special state-to-state" theory not only contradicted the ROC Constitution, but also advocated separatism. He accused Lee's plan of being detrimental to cross-strait relations.
Soong's statements failed to examine the stalemate in the cross-strait relationship. First, his assumption overlooked the military threat posed by China, as indicated by Beijing's deployment of over 300 missiles aimed at Taiwan. This is the main obstacle to the improvement of cross-strait rapprochement.
Soong said that mutual trust is the basis on which the two sides will be able to start useful exchanges and business and trade cooperation, paving the way for unification. While everyone agrees on the need to build trust, Soong's embrace of a future reunification violates the right of 23 million Taiwanese to a free choice. The future relationship between Taiwan and China should be decided by Taiwanese through democratic means. No individual or single party can speak for the citizens of Taiwan.
Soong also urged China to squarely face the the existence of the ROC, to give up the threat of force against Taiwan, to resume cross-strait talks on the principle of reciprocity and to allow room for Taiwan's development in the international community. But without Beijing's recognition of Taipei as an equal negotiator, it is hopeless to think that Beijing will engage in real talks with Taiwan.
To deal with China effectively, Taiwan must first seek a domestic consensus on national identity. All major political parties agree that any solution to the cross-strait deadlock come about peacefully and guarantee Taiwan's security. They also agree on the need for a stable mechanism for conducting cross-strait affairs and for the voice of Taiwanese to be respected. This is the position from which Taiwan should bargain.
As politicking for the 2004 presidential election is already heating up, Soong's stance on cross-strait affairs will be a determining factor in his campaign. Perhaps the Soong camp should take into consideration the evolution of cross-strait relations that has taken place over the past three years and deal with the "one China" myth from the viewpoint of the Taiwanese people.
Liu Kuan-teh is a Taipei-based political commentator.
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